Am I well “suited” for speech? What is “professional” attire?

Our Preparation Mission To have a professional, well- prepared appearance. We come to a meet as serious competitors.

What is “professional” attire and how does that relate to being sophisticated? EVW Speech has adopted a culture of “classic” or “conservative” professional dress for tournament days. We believe that a suit (or slight variation there of) helps you look and feel your professional best! You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

“To Do” Tips for the Men SUITS: Choose a conservative style, dark colors: black, dark gray, charcoal, olive or navy (Avoid flashy or showy fabrics) If you don’t have a suit, your pants should be in the style listed above SHIRTS: Collars should be stiff but comfortable (too loose looks tacky; too tight, you'll feel like you're choking). TIES: Colors should work back into your suit or work well with your shirt. Patterns should not be distracting or silly. Should end at belt line - no higher, no lower SHOES: Basic black goes with everything. Make sure they are comfortable. Always make sure your shoes are polished and well maintained. BELTS AND SOCKS: Your belt should match your shoes. Socks should match your shoes.

Men’s Suits

“To Do” Tips for the Women JACKETS: Choose a conservative style jacket in a solid, basic color. SKIRTS or PANTS: Buy the skirt/pants that goes with the jacket, OR if possible, choose a long printed skirt that matches the jacket. Long, “flowy” skirts can look great for interpretation categories. No short skirts!!! Skirts should be no higher than 1" above the knees. SHIRTS: Use this as an opportunity to add a touch of color under your suit. (Remember that shirts are an inexpensive way to change the look of an outfit). Be sure the shirt is not too low cut. SHOES: Stick with a medium (2" - 2.5") heel or flats. Stay away from boots, flip flops, and really thick, clunky heels. Black, navy, or neutral colors for shoes. Always look for comfort when purchasing shoes. You’ll be moving. STOCKINGS or SOCKS: Always wear stockings or socks, and keep lots of extras on hand. Nylons should either be “bare” in color or should match your suit color. (Nylons should never be darker than your hemline) JEWELRY: Keep jewelry choices conservative – it should compliment/accent your attire, not overpower it.

Women’s Suits

Personal Appearance “To Do’s” Because our team’s culture is conservative and classic we ask that personal appearance follow suit… HAIR - keep it out of your eyes and away from your brow line Gentlemen:this may mean getting a hair cut Ladies:this means tying hair back off your face ***Your face is such a valuable weapon. Judges will be annoyed if they can’t see all of it. FACE – let us see your expressions Gentlemen:clean shaven Ladies:just like if you were on TV or in a play, make-up should be worn, but keep colors and amount conservative

“What NOT To Do” GENTLEMEN Distracting neck ties Light colored socks with a dark suit Un-shaven face LADIES Open-toed shoes Flip Flops Low-cut blouse Short skirts Bold fingernail polish BOTH Clothes that are too tight OR too loose Distracting jewelry Hair in your eyes

Remember our Preparation Mission… … To have a professional, well- prepared appearance. We come to a meet as serious competitors ! Professional attire is just one of the ways we show others and ourselves what a fierce team we are!